Comedian Tracy Kellett knows that hunger is no laughing matter.

“I don’t think any human should know what it’s like to be hungry,” Kellett said. “A lot of our best local comedians agree, so we are going to do what we can to help.”

“Will Joke for Food,” a one-night showcase at Loonees Comedy Corner, will feature eight top local comedians, with every dollar of the proceeds going to Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado.

The show was the brainchild of comedian Joey Brawner, Kellett said.

“Joey and I are both military veterans, and we know a lot of our homeless population are veterans,” she said. “It sounded like a great idea, so we did a social media blast to comedians in the area to see who would support it.”

The response, Kellett said, was overwhelming.

“The stand-up community came out in droves,” she said. “We actually had to turn people away.”

The show will include headliner Mike Stanley, who has been voted “best comedian” in Chicago and Detroit, and Hayden Kristal, who has performed on “America’s Got Talent.”

“It’s going to be an absolutely hilarious and fun show,” said Kellett, founder of the annual Colorado Springs Comedy Festival.

The comedy club has hosted other benefit shows in recent years. In 2022, Kellett’s monthly showcase, Habitual Offenders, donated all its proceeds to victims of the Club Q tragedy. Another showcase donated funds to Springs Rescue Mission.

Thursday’s show will also feature a nonperishable food collection and a silent auction, Kellett said.

“People can bid on concert tickets, we have an aesthetician who is donating facials,” she said. “We have a lot of cool things for people to bid on.”

Organizers are hoping “Will Joke for Food” will be the first of several shows benefiting the hungry.

“We’re hoping to do this more than just once, or even make it a recurring thing,” Kellett said. “We don’t think the need for food is going to go away anytime soon.”

The show is for patrons 18 and older, according to the Loonees website. Tickets are all general admission, and early arrivals will enjoy preferred seating.

“The tickets are only $10. For a date night, that’s pretty inexpensive,” Kellett said. “Bring your heart, and we’ll provide the laughs.”

IF YOU GO

What: “Will Joke for Food” comedy showcase

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: Loonees Comedy Corner, 1305 N. Academy Blvd.

Price: $10; looneescc.com